20

Savannah watched as Talei reacted instantly at the mention of the photo. The rogue shewolf froze, her hand pausing midair as her body locked with tension.

Then Talei released a sigh. "That, my dear little Alpha, is something you will have to ask Zion yourself. He'll probably kill me for saying too much already. Normally I don't care, but in this case," she lifted a shoulder then dropped it heavily, "that's for him to explain. Alright, sweetie? All done," she pushed Savannah around to see herself.

While her mind was reeling, she studied herself in the mirror. A frown crept over her expression as she took in the smoky eye effect and dark lipstick. "I look like a vampire."

"No, you don't," Talei tsked. "I knew a vampire back when I lived in Crater Lake, and you look nothing like him."

"Wait, vampires are real?" Savannah gaped, her eyes widening in shock.

"I'm just kidding!" Talei slapped her shoulder and doubled over in laughter. "With this midnight black hair, you do look a little like him." Giving one last tug to the strands framing Savannah's face, she pursed her lips and gave a satisfied nod.

Savannah shuddered, totally confused and having no idea what to believe. Just as she rose to get her bag, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She noticed a couple missed calls from Justin, shortly followed by a message from Emerald. "Drats. I guess Jamie made it back to my territory. Justin is probably going nuts at not finding me with them."

"Do you want to call him?"

"Not really. I know what he's going to say, and I don't feel like arguing right now," Savannah dismissed his incoming call, then briefly read Emerald's text. Her closest sister was asking in her usual sweet manner to pick up the phone. While she contemplated how to reply, another message came in from Justin that was a lot more emotive, complete with angry emojis and even a swear word his mother would surely slap him on the head for writing. He must really be livid.

"Then come on. The guys are waiting for us."

Savannah followed Talei downstairs and found everyone already standing on the street. An air of excitement lingered around them, and Phoenix bumped into her shoulder with a smirk.

"Cale helped me with the shirt. Like it?"

She eyed him up and down, nodding her head in surprise at how well he cleaned up. He was wearing hightops, dark wash jeans, a black button up with small dark red checks and rolled to his elbows, and his hair was pulled back neatly in a man bun. Though she wasn't attracted to him in any way, Savannah could still judge how good-looking he was, and only hoped he'd have enough sense tonight and not get carried away with all the girls throwing themselves at him. "I'm gonna have to keep an eye on you tonight," she warned him.

"Yes, mum," he joked.

"Think of me more like an older sister," she teased.

"It's true, she'll protect you like family if you grow too close," Cale grimaced, clearly speaking from experience.

Phoenix gave them both a funny expression, a cross between a frown and a grin, and Savannah was unsure if he grated at the idea or if he might, deep down, actually appreciate having someone watch his back. It was in her nature to care for family, and while missing her own, these rogues were feeling more and more like her brothers and sisters.

"Let's go!" Zion motioned to them, and led the way down the street.

Savannah caught up and strode by his side. He was neatly dressed as well, in combat boots, black jeans, and a light blue button up that accentuated his muscled arms and tanned skin. The clean smell of soap mingled with his natural scent, and drew Savannah like a magnet. Something about the crisp anticipation of the night had her wrapping her arm around his and interlocking their fingers.

Zion looked over at her, eyeing her from head to toe with an intensity in his eyes that made her stomach flip. Then with a small smirk on his lips that could imply far too many things, he bent down and placed a kiss on top of her head. "Talei didn't annoy you too much?"

Savannah felt warmth spread from the top of her head and run down all over her body. Her wolf basked in the approval and touch of her mate, while the more practical side of her didn't want to read too much into Zion's actions. "She was very helpful," she smiled up at him, her eyes a show of innocence while inside she held onto all the useful bits of information she'd gleaned from the rogue shewolf.

While she didn't find out what she really wanted to know, she did learn enough to be prepared for whatever plans Zion was making. As Alpha, she intended to stay one step ahead of him and not be blindsided by anything he might throw at her. So far, she felt she'd done a pretty good job of keeping up with him despite the confounding situations he kept drawing her into. But still, he was a rogue, and there was no telling just what villainous schemes he had up his sleeve.

Pushing her uncertain thoughts aside, she took a deep breath and determined to enjoy the night. Walking hand in hand with Zion, the other wolves following, felt so right. It was like she and her mate were always meant to be leading a pack, and even though these rogues were more of a gang than the well-structured pack she was used to, they were still wolves who looked to someone as leader.

Savannah felt proud as she strode down the street, and the atmosphere buoyed her after recent events had dragged her down. The crisp bite to the evening air chilled her exposed skin, but her hand was warm in her mate's, and his close proximity had her body heating up from the inside out. When he caught her looking at him, and returned her smile, she grinned broadly while her stomach again flipped in happy somersaults.

The thumping bass of dance music reached them first, drawing them closer to the source and Savannah bounced on her toes when the house came into sight, numerous wolves lingering on the footpath and chatting happily. As Zion and his gang approached, they received curious stares, mostly directed at Savannah.

She instinctively gripped her mate's hand tighter. Zion squeezed it in response, then lifted his chin in greeting to the curious rogues.

"What's up, brothers? Chuck here tonight?" he greeted one of the men, who couldn't seem to tear his eyes from Savannah.

"Sure, man. He's waiting on ya," he jerked his head towards the house. "Who's the new gal?"

"My mate," Zion wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his side. She fit perfectly, and was grateful for the security she instantly felt in his embrace. "So quit staring and get your own."

With Zion's growl lingering after them, the man chuckled and slapped Zion on the back. "No worries, mate. I wouldn't mess with ya, not after last week."

Everyone in earshot snickered and laughed, and Savannah couldn't help the curious glance she gave Phoenix. He shook his head with a wry grin, saying she didn't even want to know in a way she easily understood. This only made her more intrigued.

They entered the house, feeling a few more interested stares from the wary rogues inside, but Savannah brushed them off the best she knew how. If Zion thought it safe to bring her and Cale to a den of rogues, she'd trust him.

She'd come this far, and despite being shot at and nearly freezing to death multiple times, she'd fared okay under his care and protection. At least the small moments of affection from Zion kept their bond alive. Despite his contrary behaviours and moods, she sensed he wouldn't let anything actually kill her.

"Damn, this is a sausage fest!" Tasman cursed under his breath as they looked around. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol and fried chicken, the airwaves thumped with a heavy rolling bass beat, and the lighting was dim to accentuate strobe flashes of colour coming from the living room. Male wolves lingered in groups, chatting, drinking, or eating snacks. Some sat around tables, playing cards and laughing raucously over the music and chatter.

"I don't smell any sausages," Savannah commented, her nose lifted as she sniffed for the barbecued meat.

Willow snorted, pressing her lips together to suppress a laugh. "Thank goodness you can't."

At her confused expression, Talei leaned close to the Alpha, wrapped her arm around her shoulders, and whispered, "Not quite the sausages Tas meant."

With a lifted eyebrow, she tried to impart the real meaning subtly, but Savannah just shook her head. She was so different from these worldly rogues, and knew she wouldn't be able to keep up with their rough language and jokes.

"At least Pansy is here," Phoenix let out a heavy breath before sucking it in again, running a hand down his shirt to smooth it, and fixing his collar.

Following his line of sight, Savannah glimpsed a pretty girl in a glittery party dress, smiling and accepting gifts from people by a table in the living room. Her eyes briefly swerved to Phoenix, and a small blush painted her face. It wasn't noticeable, but Savannah watched her with acute Alpha senses, and though the girl immediately looked away and ignored Phoenix's approach, it was clear she felt his presence keenly, her heart rate rising the closer he stalked towards her.

"Don't break her heart, Phoenix. I'm keeping an eye on you," Savannah whispered, and Phoenix threw a frown over his shoulder in acknowledgment.

"Yo, my main man!" a bald man with tattoos crawling up his neck and skull called out over the loud music, and with both arms extended, he came and embraced Zion in a brotherly hug. "Didn't think you'd show, what with the rumours in town."

Zion chuckled. "Never believe them, unless I start them."

"As always." He then turned his attention to Savannah and smiled, revealing a row of teeth with multiple missing. On closer inspection, his nose was crooked and his lips dotted with scars. His smile was friendly enough, but it clearly belied a temperament that invited disagreement and fights. It was probably because of this that his presence demanded most attention in the room. Though rogues didn't have structure and ranks like pack wolves, it was clear he was the most dominant among this crowd. "So who's this pretty little thang?"

"I'm not a thang!" Savannah instantly bristled and rose to her full height. Her Alpha dominance rolled in waves over whatever authority he had over everyone else. "I'll have you know," she punctuated her words with a finger pointed in his face. "I am the daughter of—"

"She's the daughter of the kindest parents on the southern continent. They gave me my mate, and I couldn't be happier," Zion interjected, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her suddenly into his side.

"Wha—"

At his harsh glare that was instantly transformed into a charming smile, Savannah was reminded that bringing up her rank would only spell disaster.

"Your mate?" Chuck stared in shock, his mouth gaping so low that a double chin formed on his neck. Then his eyes crinkled in a large grin. "You lucky bugger. Tell me, where'd you find her?"

"Where I always find my girls," Zion winked cryptically. He ignored Savannah's elbow that dug sharply into his ribs. "Only the best for me, isn't that right, Licorice?" he leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek. With his lips close to her ear, he breathed quietly, "Keep it to yourself, little Alpha."

Chuck continued, oblivious to their private interaction, "From Black Halo? I hear Nestor's daughter made some friends on the Islands and brought them over for the summer. They're planning for a ton of fun. Can't wait to meet them." The tattooed rogue gave a low throaty laugh and winked, making Savannah's stomach clench in disgust.

She felt queasy just hearing the way these guys joked about girls. If this was how they talked about them, how did they really treat them?

"I'm sure you can't. Maybe you'll find your mate," Zion commented blandly.

"That would be my luckiest day. Say, you still down for Monday night?"

Zion cast a quick glance to Talei who hovered on the fringe of their conversation, and she instantly got the message.

"I'm starved. Let's grab some food and drink, hey girls?" she looped an arm through Savannah's and talked loudly.

Before the Alpha could protest, she was pulled away from her mate's conversation, and dragged with Talei on one side and Willow on the other towards the kitchen area.

"Whatcha got for us, Stanley?" Talei asked the guy mixing drinks at the counter.

He gave her a wink, "Something strong. You game?"

"Do you even have to ask?" Willow snatched a cup from his hand and downed it in two seconds. Her face screwed up even as she handed it back for a refill. "This party sucks. I think your special mix might be it's only saving grace," she commented boredly while looking around at the partying wolves with disinterest, slowly sipping her second then third drink.

Just as she spoke, loud boisterous laughs rang out from another room, startling Savannah who had all her senses spread, aware of anything that might threaten her or Cale.

"Don't mind them. That's just Baby Bax playing his usual games," Stanley explained.

"Baby Bax? What kind of name is that?" Savannah screwed up her nose, trying to mentally envision one of these rough and crass rogues going by such a contrary name.

"Don't even ask," Talei shrugged and handed her a cup. "Drink up, girl, we've got some partying to do."

Not wanting to appear weak and reject the strong drink, Savannah ignored the apprehension in her veins and tipped the cup back quickly. The liquid tasted foul, burned her throat, and set a fire in her stomach that she had never experienced before. She'd never had alcohol, never seeing the need, and was totally unprepared for this toxic drink. She coughed, causing Talei to slap her on the back and Willow to crack a grin.

"That was horrible!" she wheezed, trying not to gag. "Give me another," she handed Stanley her cup.

"Atta girl," Talei praised, then moved off to the sound of Baby Bax's rumbling baritone voice. It was clear most excitement was coming from the games room, and the girls needed a distraction.

Savannah eyed her mate talking closely with Chuck in one corner, surrounded by his close buddies and associates, but no matter how hard she strained her ears, she couldn't pick up on their topic of conversation. No doubt they were planning a heist or some other nefarious mission, and her blood boiled just looking at the ugly scowls and evil smirks on their faces. Everything within her wanted to stand on a table, declare her Alpha status, and arrest every single rogue wolf for the countless crimes they'd all undoubtedly committed.

But common sense kept her inner fire tempered. She was vastly outnumbered even with Cale close by her side, and would only end up as roadkill out on the street once these wolves got the best of her. She had to keep her head down, hide her authority that exuded naturally as a powerful aura, and keep her cards to herself. Undercover Alpha was her new job title, and she had to stick to her guns to remain by Zion's side no matter how deep into the dark rogue underworld he dragged her.

"Who's next?" A man roared, seated at a table as he stared down everyone around him. He was big, with large biceps on full display under a leather vest, tattoos crawling all over his darkened skin, and a scowl scarier than her dad's on his hard face. He glowered at her and Cale as he sensed the new wolves enter the room, and Savannah nearly laughed at the way her Gamma shifted slightly behind Willow as if he could hide from the burly rogue before them.

"Baby Bax is the undefeated arm wrestling champion," Talei leaned in and explained.

Savannah shifted her attention to another man who took a seat at the table opposing Baby Bax. "Alright, I'm in," he challenged, but anyone could hear the tremor that laced the undertones of his voice. Clearly, Baby Bax had a reputation.

Baby Bax just chuckled, a merciless smirk on his roughened face. His lips hid beneath a bushy beard, his eyes gleamed wickedly, and even the Alpha found herself dreading ever meeting him in a lonely alley at night.

The two men gripped hands, and instantly they were both straining to push the other's down. Baby Bax leaned in confidently, his arm barely moving, remaining sturdy as if it was made of a beam of steel instead of human flesh and blood.

The other man wasn't faring so well, his face turning red as he fought against Baby Bax's strength, veins throbbing with the expending of all his energy. It didn't take long for a thump to resound over the music, followed by a crack as bones crushed, and a high-pitched shriek as the smaller man lost and Baby Bax settled back with a satisfied grin. The loser leapt to his feet, cradling his hand that would heal soon but still hurt painfully.

"Who's next?" Bax yelled after taking a long swig from a dirty brown bottle that Savannah didn't care to know the contents of.

She watched as two more men tried and failed to beat the man who didn't resemble a baby in the slightest. She grew frustrated by the casual smirk he kept throwing her, as if he knew she was holding back on something, offering more than mere observance. When he held her gaze pointedly, perhaps sensing her strength, she couldn't resist it any more.

"I'll take you on," she stated loudly over the music and constant chatter.

Suddenly all eyes were on her.

"Bad idea!" Talei whisper-yelled and grabbed her arm when she stepped forward. Cale's eyes widened and he grew pale, shaking his head furiously when she wrenched her arm free. Even Willow seemed amused by her announcement, but made no move to stop her. She probably wanted to see Savannah pounded to dog food by the merciless rogue.

"Are you sure about this?" Baby Bax asked condescendingly as she slid into the seat and came face to face with the terror he surrounded himself with.

"The question is, are you?" she smiled innocently at him, digging within herself and pulling on all her Alpha strength. This may be stupid, but she was tired of standing on the sidelines and playing dumb. She was stronger than all these stupid mutts combined, and couldn't wait to prove it.

Bax chuckled, the sound grating in the back of his throat. "I like a girl with sass. Warms my insides." He took another swig of his drink before slamming it on the ground behind him. It shattered with clarity, adding to the tension in Savannah's highly-strung nerves. "Let's go!"

She gripped his hand, suddenly wondering how dirty his skin might be and what infectious diseases she might contract just from touching him. Hand sanitiser would probably be a good idea at this point, or maybe even some of Stanley's brew. That surely had enough alcohol in it to kill any bacteria stupid enough to get within a meter radius of it.

All these thoughts came to a grinding halt as Bax's push on her hand was surprisingly strong and relentless. She poured all her energy into her own bicep, yet still he pushed her back and she watched her arm creep lower to the table. Closing her eyes, she tuned out the crazy rhythm of the music, the riotous sound of rogues, and the images of them trading cash. If they chose to place bets against her, she had all the more incentive to prove them wrong. Her stomach churned with warmth from the alcohol, fuelling her determination.

Calling on all her strength, she opened her eyes, locked them on the beady brown irises of Baby Bax, and pushed back. His eyes flared, surprise glittering in them like a rare gem. The shock of having to struggle for dominance against her gave her the momentum she needed.

While he was off guard, she forced him back harder, and never gave up her persistence when his knuckles hit the table, followed by the resounding thud of his entire hand. She crushed it, eyes never leaving his as she leaned forward and defeated him.

The room went wild, chairs upturned as rogues leapt to their feet and cheered, bets paid back, and drinks clinked in celebration.

"You're the bomb!" one man slung his arm around her shoulders, while another lifted her chair and deposited her on the table. On her feet, she lifted her arms and laughed in excitement, exhilaration taking over. The rush was almost as good as what she felt after killing lone rogues and protecting her borders. Her blood pounded with victory, the hot liquid thundering in her ears and lighting up every nerve ending.

"How?" Baby Bax asked simply, his face shocked as his massive arms hung uselessly by his side. His shoulder width was twice her own, his fists larger than her face, his biceps as thick as her thighs, yet she had beaten him.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" she replied saucily, accepting the drink placed in her hand and throwing it back with abandon. It burned, exciting her further, and she laughed recklessly. This party was such a good idea. Turning to thank Talei, she found her holding up her phone.

"Someone called Emerald keeps calling! Maybe it's an emergency?" the blonde's face twisted with unusual concern.

"How'd you get my phone?" Savannah asked, but then laughed it off, thinking maybe the rogue had swiped it from her pocket before it fell out and got lost in the crowd. She'd have to thank her later. Pulling up the lockscreen, Savannah saw numerous texts from her sister.

'SYS!'

Short for save your soul, it was a phrase they used when warning each other of a stupid decision they might be about to make.

She dismissed it without a thought and read the next.

'CGA!!'

Creepy guy alert. That one was definitely over the top, considering where she was and how every guy here could be classified as creepy. Savannah kept clearing the messages until she read:

'Triple zero!!!!!'

She immediately dialled her sister. "What's the emergency? Who's in hospital? Don't tell me Hunter broke his leg again! I swear, that pup—"

"You're the emergency!"

It was a bucket of warm water with ice lacing it hearing her sister's voice after so long and with so much distance between them. Savannah was used to being with her closest sister twenty four seven, so the last few days had been a whirlwind that felt like a parallel universe. Now, it almost came crashing back down on her.

She found a quiet hallway and focused on the conversation. "What do you mean, I am? I'm okay, I'm—"

"You're with the most dangerous rogue on the planet!" Emerald's voice was desperate, tainted with concern in its rawest form.

"I know Zion is dangerous, but I'm strong. I can protect myself. Besides, he's not going to hurt me. Didn't Jamie tell you?"

"She did, and Justin nearly went hysterical when she returned without you. Why on earth are you still there in the city with such wild rogues? Vannah, why didn't you come home?"

Savannah leaned against a wall and sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose even as her body still trembled with adrenaline and excitement. "Emmy, you know why. He's my mate! I'm not letting him get away, and I'm going to bring him back when the time is right."

"You're playing a dangerous game, Vannah. Don't you know how deadly he is? He could kill you!"

Emerald made a fair point, but Savannah knew him better. "No, he couldn't. He wouldn't! He's not like that. He's my ma—"

"Didn't you read the email from the Council last week?" her sister demanded, a strength in her voice that she usually reserved for extremely important situations.

The second daughter of Alphas Kaiden and Chesca was a lot more gentle, cautious, and didn't have the fiery spirit that their firstborn possessed. She was more thoughtful, serious, yet just as protective of her family as any wolf. This fierce nature was showing itself now. "Did you?" she persisted.

"Yeah, so what—"

"Did you read the whole thing? The Silver Rogue has been charged with murder of a high ranking wolf. Savannah, your mate killed an Alpha."